Melvin Benjamin Karst II, 71, passed away the morning of Wednesday, August 6th at his home surrounded by family. He was born on November 2nd, 1953 in Liebenthal, KS to Melvin and Bridget (Jacobs) Karst.
Mel was a second generation water well driller, he owned and operated Karst Water Well drilling and service after succeeding his father in the mid 80’s. He took pride in helping provide local families and area businesses with the world’s greatest resource. During the summer, when he wasn’t in the wheat fields, you could find Mel at the ballpark, coaching his sons or supporting area teams with his time on the board of the Hays Baseball Association. He has loved the New York Yankees since spending his childhood watching Mickey Mantle and has passed that love down to his five boys.
One would be hard-pressed to find anyone with the work ethic that was instilled in Mel from his father. From growing up on a farm and tending the land to working countless hours harvesting wheat, cultivating an impressive annual garden and on water well job sites he more than lived up to his namesake. He worked hard until the end.
All of that said, nothing brought Mel more joy than his time with his eighteen grandchildren. His world would light up anytime in the presence of his grandkids and that kept him going through his battle with cancer the past year and a half.
Mel is survived by his five sons, Melvin Benjamin Karst III and wife Joan of Hays, Mark Karst and wife Nikki of Kansas City, Jonathan Karst of Boulder, CO, Clayton Karst and wife Janae of Kansas City and Dylan Karst and wife Katie of Hays; his partner, Joni Pepper of Hays; two stepsons, Jason Ukele and wife Stephanie and Corey Ukele and wife Brandy all of Salina; eighteen grandchildren, Katrina Delimont, Kailey Delimont, Cooper Goodrow, Conner Ukele, Hendrix Karst, Ike Ukele, Nemia Zaid, Jaxon Karst, Cadence Karst, Colton Ukele, Lyric Karst, Adler Ukele, Charlotte McKinney, Rhett McKinney, Oliver McKinney, Hayden Karst, Montecina Karst, Maddux Karst and two sisters Sharon (Karst) Befort of Hays and Melly Karst of Austin, TX.
Mel was preceded in death by his partner, Kathy Ukele; his parents, Melvin and Bridget Karst; and his sister, Charlsie (Karst) Koerner.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday, August 11, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery with Fr. Dana Clark officiating.
Visitation will be Sunday, 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM and Monday 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM all at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Memorial contributions are suggested to HaysMed Hospice or the Humane Society of the High Plains in Mel's memory.
Please share memories and words of comfort on Mel's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com